Activities For A Boxmas

Introduction

In our opinion, Boxmas sounds like some sort of holiday where everyone trades different sized boxes with one another. In reality, the term "Boxmas" is just one of the names for the hybrid mix of the Boxer and Mastiff. The Boxmas (also known as the Boxerstiff and the Masser) is a medium to large sized dog that's very friendly, playful, and always looks like they are in deep thought. Their physical appearance tends to vary greatly (as with all designer dogs,) meaning that no two members of this hybrid match ever look exactly alike. If you're an inexperienced dog owner, the Boxmas could be a could first pet for you as they're very easy to train.

Treat in Box Trials

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Easy

20 - 30 min

Items needed

Cardboard Boxes

Dog Treats or Food

Activity description

This one's simple; take a few cardboard boxes, arrange them in a room, hide a dog treat or some food under one of those boxes, and then ask your dog to find the right box. This is primarily a scent based game, as your Boxmas will have to find their treats by sniffing them out. The best way to ensure that your Boxmas doesn't get an unintended advantage over you while you're setting this game up is to have your dog stay in another room while you set this activity up. Not an expensive venture as you only need boxes and some kibble, this easy game can provide fun and challenge in one shot. This is also an indoor activity, so weather conditions won't affect your game.

Step

1

Boxes and food

As mentioned earlier, ask your dog to wait in another room while you set up this game. Start by taking one of your boxes and placing some dog food in it. You can move it all the way to be back of the room if you want to make this activity a bit more challenging or you can place it near the front to make it easier. Then, just place plenty of empty boxes around the food filled box until you've created a fun test site for your Boxmas.

Step

2

Play off

Call your dog into the room and ask them to find their treat. They'll then start waling around and sniffing at the boxes to try and complete their mission. Some dogs will head straight to the food filled box and start digging in. Others might need more time and a bit of help - you can always start removing boxes if your dog gets stuck.

Box Maze

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Hard

25 - 30 min

Items needed

Boxes and Crates

Activity description

This activity can take some time and effort, but the results will definitely be worth it. Using a number of cardboard boxes, you can create an impromptu tunnel or maze that your puppy can maneuver through. The structure can be as intricate or as simple as you'd like and you can either create it by getting a bunch of boxes and stacking them atop one another or cutting up a smaller number of boxes and carving out the maze. One method takes a bit more cash, the other takes more time. $60 should cover all of your expenses for this indoor activity.

Step

1

Get crafty

Whether you plan on stacking or cutting, it's best to get all of the tools you'll need first before you do anything else. Make sure that you've got scissors, tape, rulers, and some glue on hand before proceeding to the next couple of steps. If you don't have any of those items stashed away at home, you can buy them for cheap at the dollar store.

Step

2

The stacking method

As the name implies, you're just going to stack a number of cardboard boxes on top of each other in such a way that a maze forms from the space between them. We recommend trying to create a winding, zig-zagging maze on your first few attempts as it's one of the easiest structures to make. If you'd like to add other structures like arches or windows, that's where the glue, tape and scissors come in.

Step

3

Cutting method

A decent sized maze can be created with far fewer boxes, but you'll have to make every inch of cardboard count here. Start by opening up the boxes and flattening them out as best you can. Take your scissors and cut the boxes by their edges until you're left with singular pieces of cardboard. These pieces can then be taped and glued together to create fences and walls for your maze. Your Boxmas will love to barrel through this course!

Boxmas Shaping

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Normal

10 - 25 min

Items needed

Plastic Box or Storage Container

Treats

Activity description

The name of this activity really gets the mind racing, doesn't it? One who's unfamiliar with dog shaping may think it refers to creating shapes in a pet's fur. Someone one else might think it refers to getting a dog in shape. In reality, dog shaping is a cerebral activity in which pet parents encourage their dogs to interact with a box in a number of unique ways - it's an activity that shapes a dog's mind by literally encouraging them to think outside of the box. This activity is very cheap and can be played indoors or outdoors - making it great for rainy and sunny days alike.

Step

1

Explore and experiment

The primary goal of this activity is to encourage a dog to be more mindful and thoughtful. Place a box right next to your dog and see how they interact with it. For every new way they interact with the box, hand them a treat. It can be as simple as your dog pawing at the box or as interesting as them climbing inside of it. Keep rewarding your dog for their ingenuity and they'll keep trying new things.

Step

2

Different shapes and sizes

Keep in mind that the kind of box you let your dog play with will also drastically change the game; a see through box will cause your dog to become fixated on anything you place inside it while a large cardboard box is more malleable and can be bent into different shapes. If you're really feeling adventurous, try placing an array of different style boxes near your pet before gauging their interactions with them. If your Boxmas isn't sure about the object of the activity, place a few toys in the boxes to encourage play.

More Fun Ideas...

Box Fort

A favorite of children who've been given access to a large number of cardboard boxes, this activity calls for you and your Boxmas to build a fort together - your clever dog can hand you the building materials while you design and build the fort. This activity is super cheap and easy, and younger family members and friends can join in on the fun as well.

Boxmas Unboxing

Once upon a time, unboxing videos were all the rage on sites like YouTube and Instagram. While the quantity of these videos has diminished over time, they've still left a lasting impact on our culture and media. Why not revive the trend with your Boxmas and record the both of you as you unbox a new toy for your dog? Unboxing videos are all about catching those precious first reactions so give this a try with your Boxmas and see how they respond to getting a brand new toy.

Conclusion

Well, now you know the true meaning of Boxmas - the term may not refer to a box themed holiday (although we kind of wish it did after thinking about it so much,) but it does refer to a very lovable and kind hybrid dog that could really use a good home. The Boxmas is very good with babies, children, old folks, and other animals due to their charming and amiable demeanor. Some may initially be wary of the Boxmas due to the perpetual "frown" all member of this breed have plastered across their faces, but we'd like to implore implore those with trepidation not to judge this book - or, more accurately, box - by its cover.